TLDR Hirsutism is often caused by high male hormone levels and can be treated with lifestyle changes and medications.
Hirsutism, characterized by the presence of male-pattern terminal hair in women, is primarily caused by hyperandrogenism, with polycystic ovarian syndrome being the most frequent underlying condition. It has a significant hereditary aspect and can lead to considerable psychological distress. Diagnosis involves detailed history-taking and physical examination, including the use of the modified Ferriman–Gallway score to evaluate severity. Management requires a compassionate approach and typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, mechanical or cosmetic interventions, and pharmacological treatments such as androgen suppressors, peripheral androgen blockers, and agents that alter hair follicle growth. Effective treatment necessitates setting realistic goals and maintaining long-term, uninterrupted therapy to prevent recurrence.
305 citations,
February 2007 in “Hormone and metabolic research” Human skin makes sexual hormones that affect hair growth, skin health, and healing; too much can cause acne and hair loss, while treatments can manage these conditions.
19 citations,
January 2007 in “Dermatology” Unwanted facial hair significantly impacts over 40% of women's psychological and social well-being, and various treatment options are available.
19 citations,
July 2006 in “Lasers in medical science” Laser hair removal is safe and effective for fair-skinned people with dark hair, and using eflornithine with laser treatments can improve results.
46 citations,
May 1986 in “Seminars in Reproductive Medicine” Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone affect hair growth, and new techniques like the folliculogram help study it, but fully understanding hair growth is still complex.
14 citations,
February 2016 in “Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research” Blood tests are needed to confirm high male hormone levels in women with PCOS, as physical signs alone are not reliable.
3 citations,
January 2012 in “Hanyang Medical Reviews” The document concludes that more research is needed to create suitable diagnostic criteria and understand PCOS in Korean women, and genetics may allow for personalized treatment.
10 citations,
November 2010 in “Skin therapy letter” Women with PCOS often have acne because of high androgen levels, and the article reviewed how to treat this type of acne.
85 citations,
June 2006 in “Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” The document concludes that hirsutism is the main sign for diagnosing hyperandrogenism, which requires a detailed patient history and physical exam.
